May 30, 2025
Molly Douglass, chair of the Bassano and District Health Foundation, enjoys contributing to the health and well-being of community. Supplied.
Story by Deanna Dament
June is Health Philanthropy Month. Throughout the month, we’re celebrating our philanthropic partners who raise funds for healthcare across the province.
The Faces of Foundations profile series introduces you to leaders in healthcare philanthropy across Alberta.
This week, we’re pleased to feature Molly Douglass, chair of the Bassano and District Health Foundation. Originally from Manitoba, she came to Bassano for a five-month teaching contract and stayed 20 years. In that time, she grew from a contract teacher to the principal of the K-12 school. Molly continues to involve herself as much as possible in her community.
Why did you become involved with the Bassano and District Health Foundation?
“We all have communities, and the only way they stay strong is through involvement and the donating of time and money and all those things that make communities good.” Molly knew some people on the board who suggested she join them when they found out she wasn’t as busy with school anymore.
Why is health philanthropy important to you?
“Maybe a better question is, ‘why wouldn’t health philanthropy be important to me?’ Nothing is more important than health. There’s so much about health in our news and the world. Aging does something funny to you, it makes us want to keep our older generation close — and thus continuing care facilities become very important.” (The Bassano Health Centre is both an acute care and a continuing care facility.)
What does being a leader in healthcare philanthropy mean to you?
“It’s a pleasure to be a healthcare philanthropy leader and to chair our foundation. I work with a lot of great people. It’s about making a better and safer community and contributing to the greater good. We all need to look out for one another.”
What recent Foundation accomplishments make you most proud?
“Recently, the foundation provided funding to the Diagnostic Imaging Department at the Bassano Health Centre to purchase two wireless Digital Radiography (DR) detectors along with the software upgrade and staff training necessary to use them with the X-ray equipment currently installed. This investment results in better images for the patients and better workflow for the X-ray technologists at the site. This project was one of the largest projects ever supported by the Foundation. If we have the money in the bank and it’s a good project — the foundation should support it.”
What initiatives are coming up for the foundation?
“Next year, the foundation turns 30. With the help of our staff, patients and families — from whom we always take direction — we hope to come up with some special initiatives. Stay tuned!”
What’s the best way for Albertans to support the foundation?
“Albertans can support the foundation by donating money, becoming a board member, or volunteering at the Bassano Health Centre."
For information on the Bassano and District Health Foundation, and how to get involved, visit Bassano & District Health Foundation | Alberta Health Services.
